The first swimmer to cross The Rip was the late Doug Mew in 1971. Recorded crossings after Doug were few and far between and actively discouraged by authorities. The Brighton Icebergers organised several groups and there were even a few double-crossings. Since 2014, commercial guides accompany all Rip swims.
The tides through The Rip can reach 15km/h. These become even swifter in Bass Straight. Unaided, unprepared, or swimming at the wrong time, even capable swimmers could find themselves sucked out into Bass Straight. Timing is critical, particularly timing for the slack tide in the deep and cold channel through which shipping enters and exits the port. Swimmers typically tread water waiting for a gap in the shipping traffic and then “bolt” the 250 metres across the channel and then to the shore and finish line at Point Lonsdale.
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